In the age of DIY weddings, we know that it pays to be a little creative with your wedding decor. Crafting the small details of your wedding is a great way to save on extra costs AND add personal touches to your special day. This quick and elegant DIY is high impact without being high cost, and what better reason to learn a new skill than to use it to customize your own wedding? Calligraphy makes for endless DIY possibilities, from invitations to place cards and signage. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to use your brush calligraphy skills (from our Brush Calligraphy Class) to personalize your wedding guest book.
And for any Maids of Honor out there: This is the perfect, personalized gift for that bride to be.
Materials included in our kit:
— spotter brush
— well palette
— watercolor paint
Materials not included in our kit:
— canvas covered sketchbook
— jar
— glue
— metal leaf
— flat head brush
Get your materials together (or buy the kit HERE) and let’s get started!
Instructions:
1. Start by laying out the bride and groom’s names on the canvas sketchbook, and begin lettering when you’re satisfied with the placement.
2. Once you’ve finished, allow the watercolor to dry for at least 20 minutes before moving onto the next step.
3. Squeeze a small amount of glue onto your palette. Lightly dab the tip of your brush into the glue and paint a design directly onto your canvas sketchbook.
4. Apply a sheet of gold leaf over your design and lightly pat down. Allow this to dry until the leaf is set (about one hour).
5. Repeat these steps until you’ve completed your gold leaf design.
6. Once the gold leaf has completely set, carefully peel the excess gold leaf off. If you accidentally peel away part of your pattern, just reapply the glue and adhere the gold leaf back onto the design.
Start by laying out the bride and groom’s names on the canvas sketchbook. Add a small dab of pigment to your palette. Using your spotter brush, mix a small amount of water to your palette and begin painting. Be sure to leave enough room for the gold leaf detail!
Once you’ve finished, allow the watercolor to dry for at least 20 minutes before moving onto the next step.
Squeeze a small amount of glue onto your palette. Lightly dab the tip of your brush into the glue and paint a design directly onto your canvas sketchbook. Apply a sheet of gold leaf over your design and lightly pat down. Allow this to dry until the leaf is set (about one hour).
Repeat these steps until you’ve completed your design.
Once the gold leaf has completely set, carefully peel the excess gold leaf off. If you accidentally peel away part of your pattern, just reapply the glue and adhere the gold leaf back onto the design.
That’s all it takes to make a gorgeous wedding guest book.
If you’re making this for a friend, be sure to leave a sweet note on the first page…
…and watch the rest of the book fill up!
What are some DIY shortcuts you’re using for your wedding? Show us your project by tagging us on Instagram and using the hashtag #iamcreative!
DIY Production and Styling: Marianne Koo
Photography: Brittany Griffin
